Chapter 246: Tired
"Are you saying the board wants me to return and, at the same time, they don’t want me to return?" Melanie asked slowly, her voice laced with disbelief as she stared at the man seated across from her. He gave a tired sigh.
"All I’m saying is—ABC Estates is a sinking ship. We’re drifting without a captain, and right now, we need someone who understands the storm we’re in and has some hope of taking us out "You can hire someone externally," she replied, folding her arms. "There are a dozen qualified candidates out there. As for me, I am already struggling. I seem to have made a habit of trusting the wrong people. I recommended Spencer for chairman... and my own assistant almost ruined my budding business... Just hire someone else okay?"
"We tried," he said, shaking his head. "No one is willing to take responsibility. Not after what Spencer did. He made sure of that." Melanie frowned. "What exactly did he do? I mean other than the scandal?"
"Spencer Collins knew he was skating on thin ice. He suspected the will’s end result might not favour him, and if he couldn’t get anything, then he didn’t want Adam to have anything either. So, he sabotaged everything. He liquidated whatever funds were available, mortgaged prime assets, made reckless commitments to clients-things we could never deliver on. It was systematic."
Melanie’s eyes widened slightly. "And no one stopped him?"
"No one could," the man said bitterly. "He was still in charge, and no one had the authority to counter him without proof of misconduct. And now, the damage is extensive. But our biggest problem-our most immediate concern-is StormEdge."
"StormEdge?" Melanie repeated. "Why would they be a concern?" He nodded grimly and pushed the file in front of her, "They’ve already reached out, asking for urgent talks. They’re bringing up breach of contract clauses and seeking compensation for missed deadlines. They’re coming for blood."
Melanie’s gaze dropped to the file in front of her. She flipped open the top page and studied the contract again. The wording was too polished. Too perfect. Her brow furrowed as a sick feeling settled in her gut. Her eyes narrowed further.
This wasn’t just a simple client agreement. This was a trap contract-clever, deliberate, and designed to fail. Every clause now looked like a snare. It was constructed to guarantee breach and trigger penalties.